Cooler and methods of storing a cooler in a bag

ABSTRACT

A cooler and methods of storing the cooler in a bag such as a purse are described herein. The cooler can have a strap allowing it to be used as a stand-alone device. The cooler can have securing devices such as magnets embedded within two pockets on a side wall of the cooler. The pockets can be located on the top half of the cooler to prevent tipping and are movable within the pockets so that the magnets can be positioned to avoid obstructions on the bag. The cooler magnets can be magnetically mated with magnets used with protective covers on the outside of the purse (zero purse modifications) or with magnets embedded within the purse wall.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/421,726 filed Nov. 14, 2016, which is herebyincorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments described herein relate to a cooler and to methods ofstoring a cooler in a bag, such as a purse.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Purses, handbags, messenger bags, backpacks, and other personal totesare used to carry, transport and/or store several items. For some, apurse or handbag is a catch-all device used on a daily basis to carryfrequently used items.

Storage of some daily use items is undesirable in a purse or handbag.For example, cold, frozen, or chilled items including beverages, such aschilled bottles of water, soft drinks, or other beverages, frozentreats, and other similar items, can cause significant condensation toform on the outer surfaces of the beverage container. This condensationcan damage or destroy many items that are frequently placed in pursesand handbags such as, for example, water sensitive materials andelectronics including key fobs and smart phones, paper items includingdocuments, tissues, and greeting cards, and the like.

For this reason, cold beverages are often carried in a separate tote,such as a cooler. Conventional coolers are designed to be carried as astandalone item. Conventionally, coolers have a shell which is linedwith insulation which is further lined with an interior waterproof (?)lining or shell. Because coolers must be carried, due to bulk, they alsocan include a handle, strap, or other similar structure.

While some conventional coolers can be small enough to fit inside ofsome larger purses, backpacks, or handbags, they may take up too muchspace, rendering the purse or handbag useless for holding additionalitems. Further, the cooler is unsecured in relation to the purse orhandbag which can obstruct or even damage the other items carried withinthe purse or handbag.

Some purses or handbags include a separate compartment to hold chilledbeverages. The vast majority of purses or handbags do not include thisfeature, however, and an owner of multiple purses or handbags willlikely have one or more purses or handbags that do not have a separatebeverage compartment.

There remains a need for a cooler that can be secured within a personaltote, or can be used as a combination cooler and personal tote to keeppersonal items separate from cooled items to minimize damage to thepersonal items.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein relate to a cooler and methods of storingthe cooler in a bag such as a purse or handbag. The cooler can havesecuring devices such as magnets embedded within or otherwise secured toone or more pockets of a side wall of the cooler. In a non-limitingembodiment, the pockets can be located on the top half of the cooler tomaintain a desired orientation with respect to the purse or handbag.However, the pockets can be arranged in any of a variety ofconfigurations as desired. The magnets can be movable within the pocketssuch that the magnets can be positioned to avoid obstructions on thebag, or can be permanently mounted. The magnets located within thepockets can be magnetically mated with or magnetically attracted to oneor more exterior magnetic devices. The exterior magnetic devices can bearranged on the outside of the purse or with magnetic devices embeddedwithin the purse wall. Further, the cooler can have a strap allowing itto be used as a stand-alone device.

In alternative embodiments, any of a variety of fastening devices can besubstituted or combined with the magnets. Such fastening devices caninclude, for example, snaps, buttons, buckles, latches, hook and loopsystems, and the like, or combinations thereof.

In embodiments the cooler can be a waterproof cooler. This featureeliminates condensation or other liquids from exiting the cooler intothe purse.

In embodiments the cooler can have brackets and a strap so that it canbe used as a stand-alone device. The interior of the cooler is sized toreceive bottles or cans of water, juice, or other beverages, as well asother items, such as medications, frozen treats, and the like thatbenefit from being kept cool.

In embodiments, a pouch can be provided for a compact, lipstick, keys,wallet, phone, or other small items or accessories. In embodiments, thecooler can have a rounded edged shape. The round edges allow the coolerto be more easily inserted into and removed from items such as purses.

In embodiments, magnetic components can be arranged within pockets ofthe cooler to secure the cooler in place within a bag such as a purse.The magnetic components and pockets can be sized such that the magneticcomponents move freely within the pockets. Alternatively, the magneticcomponents and the pockets can be sized such that the magneticcomponents are relatively restricted from movement.

In one embodiment, magnetic components, with or without covers, can beselectively arranged on the exterior of the purse to magnetically matewith the cooler magnetic components. This allows the cooler to be usedwith any purse without the need to make any modifications to the purse.In an alternative embodiment, the purse can have magnetic componentscoupled to a sidewall for being magnetically mated with the cooler.

In an alternative embodiment, a single magnetic component can bearranged above the center of gravity of the cooler. Having the magneticcomponent arranged above the center of gravity can prevent the coolerfrom twisting or rotating under the weight of the cooler or contents ofthe cooler.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustratedembodiment or every implementation of the subject matter hereof. Thefigures and the detailed description that follow more particularlyexemplify various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments described herein can be more completely understood withreference to the detailed description corresponding to the accompanyingfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a cooler, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a cooler, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a cooler in an open configuration, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a cooler without a strap, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a cooler with a strap, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cooler being aligned with the interiorof a bag, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cooler within a bag, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cooler within a bag showing coveredmagnets in place on the exterior of a bag, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an isolation view of covered magnets, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cooler having a pouch, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a modified bag having pockets forcontaining securing devices, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a coolerwithin a purse, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the cooler shown in FIG. 12 with the cover inan open position.

FIG. 16 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a cooler.

FIG. 17 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a cooler.

While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications andalternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of examplein the drawings and will be described in detail. It should beunderstood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimedinventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, theintention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined bythe claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description should be read with reference to thedrawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numberedthe same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depictillustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention.

Embodiments shown and described herein include a cooler and method ofstoring the cooler in a bag such as a purse or handbag. Referring firstto FIGS. 1-5, according to an embodiment, a cooler 50 is depicted. Inone embodiment shown in FIG. 1, cooler 50 includes a housing 58 and atop 51. In embodiments, housing 58 includes a bottom 52, two opposedends 53 and 54, a first side 55, and a second side 56. Together, bottom52, two opposed ends 53 and 54, a first side 55, and a second side 56form a container having an interior 80 and exterior 81. In oneembodiment, top 51 and bottom 52 are rounded to avoid sharp anglededges.

In one embodiment, housing 58 comprises a thermally insulative materialhaving low thermal conductivity. The material of housing 58 can also bewaterproof or water resilient. In alternative embodiments, the materialof housing 58 can be waterproof or water resilient, but not insulative.In embodiments, the material of top 51 can be identical to housing 58 orbe made of a different material or style of material.

The material of housing 58, and additionally top 51, could be made ofmultiple layers of material such as a decorative material (leather,plastic, canvas, etc.) on the outside and the interior could be made ofa thermally insulative material (foam, insulative plastic, etc.) and,additionally, a water resilient inner lining (add materials). In otherembodiments, other combinations of layers and materials can make uphousing 58 and top 51.

In alternative embodiments not depicted herein, housing 58 can compriseonly first side 55 and second side 56. In this embodiment, first side 55and second side 56 are coupled at the edges, via stitch or otherweldment, to create a pouch. In yet another embodiment, housing 58 cancomprise first side 55, second side 56, and two opposed ends 53 and 54.In this embodiment, first side 55, second side 56, and two opposed ends53 and 54 are coupled together in a similar fashion to the embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 1-5, but the bottom edge of first side 55 and secondside 56 are coupled directly together, via stitch or other weldment.This embodiment eliminates the need for bottom 52. In embodiments,bottom 52, opposed ends 53 and 54, first side 55, second side 56, andtop 51 can be made of one continuous piece of material, separatematerials that are coupled together, via stitch or other weldment, or acombination thereof.

In embodiments, top 51 includes a cover 70. Cover 70 can be hingedlycoupled, at a first end, to a top portion of one of either first side55, second side 56, opposed end 53 or opposed end 54. At a second end ofcover 70, a selectively detachable device, such as a zipper, clip, hookand loop, magnetic snap, or other suitable means of selectivelyattaching and detaching, is arranged such that the second end of top 51can selectively detach to a top portion of one of either first side 55,second side 56, opposed end 53 or opposed end 54. In embodiments, cover70 serves to open and close access to housing 58 and is selectivelysecure to housing 58 via selectively detachable device. In someembodiments, cover 70 can form a liquid-tight seal that reduces oreliminates liquid from escaping interior 80.

In alternative embodiments, first side 55 and second side 56 canselectively couple at the top portions, via zipper or hook and loop, forexample, which eliminates the need for top 51.

In embodiments, cooler 50 is configured to accommodate bottles and cansof liquid such as water or juice. Cooler 50 can also be used with othertypes of liquids and containers, or other items, in alternativeembodiments.

Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, a bracket 60 is arrangedon one end 53 and a bracket 61 is arranged on the other end 54. A strap62 can selectively couple to brackets 60 and 61 to serve as handle tocarry cooler 50. In this embodiment, cooler 50 can be used as astandalone device.

Referring to FIG. 1, embodiments of side 56 includes one or more pockets100 and 110, which are internal components of cooler 50 and aretherefore depicted in phantom. In this embodiment, pockets 100 and 110can be generally square and can have a width and height of approximately2.54 cm to 7.62 cm, or 1-3 inches. In embodiments, one or more magneticcomponents 101 and 111 can be arranged within pockets 100 and 110. Oneor more magnetic components 101 and 111 are smaller than the interiordimension of the pocket, such that one or more magnetic components 101and 111 are freely movable within pockets 100 and 110. In embodiments,pocket 100 and 110 can be arranged in the top one half of cooler 50.Arranging pockets 100 and 110 in the top half, or at least above thecenter of gravity when the cooler is full, of cooler 50 increasesstability in an upright position.

While not shown, it is appreciated that there could be one or morepockets 100 and 110 arranged on the bottom of the cooler in addition toone or more pockets 100 and 110 being arranged on the top portion ofcooler 50.

FIG. 6 depicts cooler 50 being inserted into an interior 40 of a bag,such as a purse 10. While purse 10 is shown as an illustratedembodiment, other bags, such as handbags, messenger backs, backpacks,and other personal totes can be used in other embodiments.

Purse 10, also seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, has a top 11, a bottom 12, twoends 13 and 14, and two sides 15 and 16. A handle 20 is on the top ofside 15 and a handle 21 is on the top of side 16. Side 15 includes asidewall 30. FIG. 8 depicts one or more magnetic components 120 and 130arranged on the exterior of purse 10 and adjacent to magnetic components101 and 111. In one embodiment, magnetic component 120, for example,includes a cover 121, is also illustrated in FIG. 9. Magnetic component130, shown in FIG. 8, also has a cover 131. Magnetic components 120 and130 are configured to pair with magnetic components 101 and 111. Inembodiments, magnetic components 120 and 130 are placed on the exteriorof purse 10 and adjacent to magnetic components 101 and 111 which arelocated in the interior of purse 10. The covers 121 and 131 are made ofa material that is generally resistant to causing damage, such as scuffsor permanent indentations into common purse materials. The covers can bematerial matched, texture matched and color matched to the material,texture and/or color of the purse. In other embodiments, the cover cantake various shapes, colors, and textures for artistic effect.

In embodiments, magnetic components 101, 111, 120, 130, as well as 241,251, 401, 411, 452, 580, and 585 (discussed below) can be permanentmagnets or ferromagnetic material. In embodiments where one magneticcomponent is ferromagnetic and does not induce a magnetic field on itsown, i.e., a permanent magnet, the adjacent magnetic component that itpairs with, e.g. magnetic component 101 is paired with magneticcomponent 120, must be a permanent magnet. In other words, each magneticcomponent pair must include at least one permanent magnet. Inembodiments, a permanent magnet version of the magnetic component can bemade of rare earth magnets, e.g. neodymium and samarium-cobalt, ceramicmagnets, or other suitable permanent magnets. A ferromagnetic version ofthe magnetic component can be made of any metal containing iron, nickel,cobalt and any other ferromagnetic material. Further, attachment betweenthe various embodiments of the bag and the cooler could be accomplishedby other means of selective detachability. For example, variousembodiments of the cooler and the bag could be a zipper, clip, hook andloop, Velcro®, button snap or other suitable means of selectivelydetaching.

In use and referring to FIGS. 6-8, cooler 50 can be inserted into purse10, wherein side 56 is placed immediately adjacent sidewall 30 of purse10. Magnetic components 101 and 111 can be freely movable within theirrespective pockets 100 and 110. In alternative embodiments, magneticcomponents 101 and 111 can be arranged in a fixed position via template,bracket or pockets configured to constrict movement of magneticcomponents 101 and 111. Magnetic component 120 is positioned on theexterior of purse 10 and near pocket 100. In embodiments, magneticcomponent 120 magnetically mates with magnetic component 101 through thematerial of sidewall 30. In embodiments, magnetic component 120magnetically mates with magnetic component 101 where there are noobstructions caused by straps, closures or other items on the purse.Magnetic component 120 is positioned on the exterior of purse 10 andnear pocket 100. In embodiments, magnetic component 120 magneticallymates with magnetic component 101 through the material of sidewall 30.In embodiments, magnetic component 120 magnetically mates with magneticcomponent 101 where there are no obstructions caused by straps, closuresor other items on the purse. Cooler 50 is accordingly securely heldwithin purse 10, and is secured in a manner wherein inadvertent tippingrelative to purse 10 is unlikely, as the securement devices fasten abovethe cooler center of gravity.

It is appreciated that while magnets are shown to be one preferred typeof securing device, that other types of securing devices can be used inalternative embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 10, embodiments of side 55 can include a wall 90. Inthis embodiment, wall 90 includes a pouch 91 that is suitable to holdsmall items such as lip stick and other personal accoutrements. Pouch 91can be internally accessible within cooler 50 or, alternatively, fromthe exterior of cooler 50.

In an alternative embodiment and referring to FIG. 11, a purse 210 has atop 211, a bottom 212, ends 213 and 214, and two sides 215 and 216. Ahandle 220 is on the top of side 215 and a handle 221 is on the top ofside 216. Side 215 has a sidewall 230. In embodiments there are one ormore pockets 240 and 250 illustrated in wall 230. In embodiments,magnetic component 241 is contained within pocket 240. A magnet 251 iscontained within pocket 250. The magnetic components 241 and 251 arepreferably smaller in size than their respective pockets 240 and 250wherein the magnets are movable within the pockets. In embodiments,there could be more or fewer pockets in alternative embodiments. Inembodiments, the width between the center of pockets 240 and 250 of thepurse is preferably the same as the width between pockets 100 and 110 ofthe cooler 50.

In use, cooler 50 is insertable into purse 210. Pocket 100 can come intoclose engagement with pocket 240 wherein magnetic component 101magnetically mates with magnetic component 241. Similarly, pocket 110can come into close engagement with pocket 250 wherein magneticcomponent 111 magnetically mates with magnetic component 251.

Turning now to FIGS. 12-15, an alternative embodiment is depicted inwhich a cooler 350 having a housing 358 and a top 351 is provided forreceiving an item 5 such as a beverage bottle. Housing 358 has a bottom352, an end 353, an end 354, a side 355 and a side 356. Top 351 includesa cover 370. Cover 370 can seal or cover an interior 380 of cooler 350in a water tight manner, thereby separating interior 380 from anexterior 381. Cover 370 can selectively secure to housing 358 usingvarious securement devices such as a zipper, hook and loop, or othersuitable securing device. In embodiments, a wall 390 is provided havingone or more pockets 400. A magnetic component 401 is arranged withinpocket 400 and, in some embodiments, is allowed to move freely withinpocket 400. Pocket 400 can be located on the top half of cooler 350.

A purse 410 is provided and can receive the cooler 350. A magneticcomponent 411 can be embedded within the purse sidewall (or otherwiseaffixed to purse 410, or is usable with the purse). In alternativeembodiments, magnetic component 411 cannot be affixed to purse 410 and,in use, is instead positioned on the exterior of purse 410 and adjacentto pocket 400 of cooler 350. Cooler 350 can be inserted into purse 400in an upright manner. Magnetic component 411 can magnetically engagemagnetic component 401 of cooler 350 to hold cooler 350 in place and inan upright manner relative to purse 410. In this embodiment, cooler 350is unlikely to twist or rotate relative to purse 410 as the weight ofcooler 350 and the contents of the cooler would act below the magneticconnection point. In alternative embodiments, cooler 350 can be securedwith two or more pockets 400, each including one or more magneticcomponents 411, in order to accomplish a secured position of cooler 350within purse 410.

In an alternative embodiment of a cooler 450 having a pocket 451 movablycontaining a magnetic component 452 is illustrated in FIG. 16. In thisembodiment pocket 451 is illustrated in a different location within acooler wall as compared to the previously described cooler.

In an alternative embodiment as depicted in FIG. 17, a cooler 550includes a housing 555. Housing 555 includes a first side 560 and asecond side 565. First side 560 includes a plurality of pockets 570 and575. Pockets 570 and 575 are configured to have a plurality of magneticcomponents 580 and 585 positioned therein. In one embodiment, pockets570 and 575 are configured to span the entire height of first side 560,yet remain separate from each other. In this embodiment, the pluralityof magnetic components 580 and 585 can move within the expanded pockets570 and 575 allowing for a greater likelihood of connection to externalmagnetic components.

Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been describedherein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are notintended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should beappreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments thathave been described can be combined in various ways to produce numerousadditional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions,shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for usewith disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed can be usedwithout exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.

Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that thesubject matter hereof can comprise fewer features than illustrated inany individual embodiment described above. The embodiments describedherein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways inwhich the various features of the subject matter hereof can be combined.Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations offeatures; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination ofdifferent individual features selected from different individualembodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art.Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can beimplemented in other embodiments even when not described in suchembodiments unless otherwise noted.

Although a dependent claim can refer in the claims to a specificcombination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can alsoinclude a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter ofeach other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features withother dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposedherein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.

Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such thatno subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicitdisclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above isfurther limited such that no claims included in the documents areincorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference ofdocuments above is yet further limited such that any definitionsprovided in the documents are not incorporated by reference hereinunless expressly included herein.

For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended thatthe provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless thespecific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.

1. A system for securing a cooler within a tote, the system comprising:a cooler including— a housing made of a moisture-impermeable material,the housing defining an internal cavity, a layer of thermal insulationarranged within the housing and configured to insulate the internalcavity, and a first plurality of magnetic components mechanicallycoupled to the housing; and a second plurality of magnetic components,each of the plurality of magnetic components being configured to securethe housing in a desired position within or to the tote by magneticattraction to corresponding magnetic components of the first pluralityof magnetic components.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the housingincludes a closure mechanism comprising a top hingedly coupled at afirst end to a top portion of a first side of the housing.
 3. The systemof claim 2, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a top hingedlycoupled at a second end to a top portion of one of the sides anddetachably coupled at a second end to a second side of the housing. 4.The system of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a closure mechanismcoupled at a first end to a top portion of a first side of the housingand coupled at a second end to a top portion of a second side of thehousing, wherein the closure mechanism is a zipper.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the magnetic components of the second plurality arefixedly attached to a bag.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the housingis water resilient.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more ofthe magnetic components of the first and/or second plurality of magneticcomponents is a permanent magnet.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein thehousing includes at least one pocket configured to have a first and/orsecond plurality magnetic component positioned within.
 9. A system forsecuring a cooler within a bag, the system comprising: a bag; a cooler,the cooling including— a housing made of a moisture-impermeablematerial, the housing defining an internal cavity, a layer of thermalinsulation arranged within the housing and configured to insulate theinternal cavity, and a first plurality of magnetic componentsmechanically coupled to the housing; and a second plurality of magneticcomponents, each of the plurality of magnetic components beingconfigured to secure the housing in a desired position within or to thetote by magnetic attraction to corresponding magnetic components of thefirst plurality of magnetic components.
 10. The system of claim 9,wherein the housing includes a closure mechanism comprising a tophingedly coupled at a first end to a top portion of a first side of thehousing.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the closure mechanismcomprises a top hingedly coupled at a second end to a top portion of oneof the sides and detachably coupled at a second end to a second side ofthe housing.
 12. The system of claim 9, wherein the housing includes aclosure mechanism coupled at a first end to a top portion of a firstside of the housing and coupled at a second end to a top portion of asecond side of the housing, wherein the closure mechanism is a zipper.13. The system of claim 9, wherein the magnetic components of the secondplurality are fixedly attached to the bag.
 14. The system of claim 9,wherein the housing is water resilient.
 15. The system of claim 9,wherein the one or more of the magnetic components of the first and/orsecond plurality of magnetic components is a permanent magnet.
 16. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the housing includes at least one pocketconfigured to have a first and/or second plurality magnetic componentpositioned within.
 17. A system for securing a cooler within a tote, thesystem comprising: a cooler including— a housing made of amoisture-impermeable material, the housing defining an internal cavity,a layer of thermal insulation arranged within the housing and configuredto insulate the internal cavity, and a first plurality of attachmentcomponents mechanically coupled to the housing; and a second pluralityof attachment components, each of the plurality of attachment componentsbeing configured to be arranged to secure the housing in a desiredposition within or to the tote by selectively coupling to correspondingattachment components of the first plurality of attachment components.18. The system of claim 1, wherein the attachment components of thesecond plurality are fixedly attached to a bag.
 19. The system of claim17, wherein the first and/or second plurality of attachment componentsare selectively detachable fastening devices.
 20. The system of claim19, wherein the selectively detachable fastening devices are a zipper,snap button, button, clip, hook and loop, buckle, tie strap, or acombination thereof.